This has been an interesting week which started with the explosion that was #ImStaying bursting on to the scene. In response to what was happening in the group and some feelings of uncomfortable that a growing number of people were having, i made this Facebook Live video sharing my thoughts. Then i wrote a piece called 'The Rise and Flaw of #ImStaying' which has been my most visited post of the year and which [...]
This past week has seen a meteoric rise in the interest and participation in the Facebook Group #ImStaying. The group describes themselves in this way: This group is dedicated to the South African women and men of all races and all religions, who remain loyal to South Africa. This group is to honour all those who still believe that we as a nation can turn things around. To all those who choose to stay [...]
Continuing the journey of #40TipsForParents with another five you might find helpful: 40 Tips for Parents: Tip #21 Give them Justice/Compassion/Generosity-flavoured experiences. We have spoken about being honest and dealing with difficult topics when it comes to things happening in the country or tricky questions they may be asking [Tips 4 and 14]. But i want to encourage you to do things with them that teach them about Justice and bridge-building and compassion and [...]
The man tips continue as we work our way slowly towards having a tool belt of resources to help us to become better men: 40 Tips for Men: Tip #21 Include yourself in the wide set that is toxic masculinity. This one links very closely to a similar one when it comes to race so let me use that as an example. It can be very easy for a white person to look at [...]
Blessed are the rich... for they shall be spared sermons! Rene August [preaching at St Johns Anglican church yesterday] didn't quite say those words, but she might as well have. And they feel largely true. One thing Rene did say was this: 'The church has so many programs to help alleviate poverty. The church has no programs to help people alleviate greed.' [which i think was a quote of Bishop Zac Niringiye] Two other [...]
Marcel's Frozen Yoghurt's much-loved unicorn flavour is enchanting Marcel’s stores nationwide these school holidays. i know this is true because my wife, tbV [the beautiful Val] and i went and had some today after the rugby. Topped with a little bit of fudge this unique flavour that is both beautiful to look at and mouth-watering or fruitering on the tongue was the perfect post-game snack. We had soon forgotten about the loss and were ready [...]
Rolling on with our #40TipsForParents as we head into the second half: 40 Tips for Parents: Tip #16 Be mindful about the pictures you show of your children. There are many levels to this one, but the most real and scary relates to predators and the sickness of the world we live in. It may be completely innocent for you to show a picture of your naked three year old running around the garden, [...]
What [South] African stories are your children reading?A while back i compiled a list of super amazing books for young children from suggestions made by a lot of my friends, with a specific focus on South African and African stories. While it may not be imperative that your children ONLY read books from this country and continent, i think you are definitely missing out if they are not reading any. And there are some REALLY [...]
What does it mean to be real men? We are continuing on with our journey towards 40 Tips for Men... 40 Tips for Men: Tip #16 Be slow to the mic. Picture this: There is a conference or book launch or some form of meeting happening in South Africa. Afterwards, there is a time of Q & A. Without knowing anything about the meeting, describe as best you can, the first five people who [...]
When last did you tip the petrol attendant well? i was hanging out with my mate Wayne yesterday [lots of great stories begin with that very line!] and we got to talking. He told me about something a mutual friend of ours [the incredible Linda Martindale] had told him a while back... "Always fill your car at the same petrol station. Preferably with the same person. And tip them well." The most valuable tip [...]
